City Council Minutes
December 1, 2025
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CITY OF AZUSA
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY,
THE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2025
The City Council of the City of Azusa met in Closed and Regular session at Azusa Auditorium at 213 E.
Foothill Blvd., Azusa, CA 91702.
Mayor Gonzales called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Richman, Director of Economic and Community Development Jimenez, City Clerk Services Manager Juarez.
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the following items.
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS. Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.8.
City Negotiator: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager
Property Address: 622-624 North San Gabriel Avenue; APN: 8611-004-912 to 914 Negotiating Parties: Luis Nieblas
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms for Purchase
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.9(d)(2).
1 Potential Case
3. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54957.
Title: City Manager
REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Gonzales called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
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ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by City Clerk Cornejo.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT
Elected Officials: City Clerk Cornejo
Staff Members: City Manager Gonzalez, City Attorney Richman, Deputy City Manager DeAnda -Scaia, Chief of Police Wenrick, Police Captain Landeros, Director of Administrative Services Johnson, Director of Economic and Community Development Jimenez, Director of Public Works & City Engineer Delgadillo, Public Works Superintendent – Parks Facilities Chavez, Director of Community Resources Carpenter, Management Analyst - CMO Nazarian, City Clerk Services Manager Juarez.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Kim Antol.
The Invocation was led by Venerable Nicholas Thanissaro.
CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Richman reported that Closed Session consisted of three items, and there was no reportable action taken.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Phra Nicholas Thanissaro, Buddhist Meditation Center invited the community to the Full Moon Meditation on December 4, 2025.
Sal Covarrubias, Urban Forester for North Star Landcare, provided information about the company and his role should the Council decide to award the tree maintenance contract to his company.
Ernesto Macias, Tree Service Kings representative, expressed concerns regarding Item D -3 related to the qualifications of West Coast Arborists and North Star Landcare to complete line clearance work; and expressed concern regarding the base bid amounts shown in Attachment 1.
Patrick Mahoney, Owner of West Coast Arborist, requested that the company be awarded the tree maintenance contract; and stated the many ways in which the company supports the City.
John Pineda, West Coast Arborist representative, provided information on his background and qualifications; stated the ways in which the company has supported the community; and requested that the Council consider awarding the contract to the company.
Manuel Briano, West Coast Arborist tree trimmer, stated that he is a resident of Azusa; provided background on his experience providing service to the City; and thanked the Council for considering the company for the contract.
Tony Martinez, owner of North Star Landcare, provided background on his experience; described the qualifications of the company; stated ways in which the company could provide improvements to the City; and requested that the Council award the tree maintenance contract to the company.
City Clerk Cornejo stated that written communication was submitted by Gerard Batista.
REPORTS, UPDATES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF/COUNCIL
City Manager Communications
City Manager Gonzalez introduced new City Attorney, Rachel Richman; announced the following events: the grand opening of Vallarta Supermarket, the Canyon City Dog Park ribbon cutting on December 13, and a reception in honor of outgoing Mayor Gonzales on December 15.
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Councilmember Announcements
Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez announced the following events: the Art of Gift Wrapping and Art classes in Spanish “Hecho A Mano” at the Azusa Library; and asked the community to keep the two National Guardsmen who were shot in Washington, D.C., in their prayers.
Councilmember Avila announced the following events: Festival of Lights and tree lighting - December 6, and Encouragement Community Church – A Christmas Musical Spectacular on December 12.
Councilmember Mendez announced the following events: Azusa Craft Night – December 8, yard sales – December 6 and 7; requested that a certificate be presented to the outgoing President of the Citrus Valley Association of Realtors; congratulated Azusa High School for being featured on channel 2; and announced the Santa Tour on December 21.
Councilmember Bow announced the following events: free after school tutoring for AUSD students at the Azusa Library, the Azusa City Library groundbreaking ceremony on December 10, and Holiday Melodies on December 17; and reminded the community about “Giving Tuesday” as an opportunity to give back to the community.
Mayor Gonzales announced the following events: Holiday Night Market – December 11; encouraged the community to check on the senior population during the holiday season; and expressed his gratitude toward his colleagues in honor of the holiday season.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO ALLOW FOR LIMITED STREET CLOSURES FOR THE AZUSA NIGHT MARKET TAKING PLACE ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025
Management Analyst - CMO Nazarian requested the adoption of a resolution authorizing the temporary street closures necessary for the Azusa Night Market which is scheduled to be held on December 11 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the required street closures extending from 6th Street to Foothill Boulevard.
Council subsequently commented on the hard work staff put into planning the event and expressed appreciation to the Public Works Department for their assistance with the holiday lighting.
Moved by Councilmember Mendez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to authorize and adopt Resolution No. 2025- C54 to allow for the temporary street closure and use of the public right-of way on North Azusa Ave between 6th St. And Foothill Blvd. for the Azusa Night Market.
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account Number: N/A
DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING THE MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO TEM ROTATION AND
CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO TEM
SELECTION SYSTEM
City Clerk Cornejo stated that on October 21, 2024, the City adopted Resolution No. 2024- C59, which established a policy for the selection and rotation of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem; noted that the selection of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem is scheduled to occur annually on the third Monday in January; mentioned that since its adoption, the resolution has been amended, and he brought the item before the Council for discussion and direction.
The Council posed questions regarding a minor edit requested in Section 1, Subsection 2, last sentence. Edits were made to the resolution accordingly.
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Moved by Councilmember Bow, seconded by Councilmember Mendez and carried by unanimous vote of the Council to adopt Resolution No. 2025- C55, concerning the selection of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem as amended.
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account Number: N/A
CONSIDERATION TO AWARD A THREE -YEAR CITYWIDE TREE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR
PARK, PARKWAYS, MEDIAN ISLANDS AND UTILITY RIGHT OF WAY TREES IN RESPONSE TO THE CITY’S REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
Mayor Gonzales recused himself from Item D -3 due to a potential perception of conflict of interest regarding familial connection.
Director of Public Works and City Engineer Delgadillo stated that at the November 17 Council Meeting, the Council requested that this item be brought back for consideration at this meeting; noted that correspondence received since the last meeting was attached to the staff report; and advised the Council that Staff and representatives were available to answer questions.
The Council requested clarification regarding the qualifications of applicants for the Tree Maintenance contract, and the correspondence received referencing a “formal protest” related to the submitted proposals, and the City’s qualifications and guidelines for clearing active utility lines.
In response to questions, Staff responded that five of the six applicants were deemed qualified; clarified that the terminology “formal protest” was not applicable, as this item was not a Notice Inviting Bids; and further explained that the City’s qualifications require experience and supervision by a certified utility line clearing supervisor.
Further discussion took place regarding the importance of having a contract in place and the option of offering a one-year contract to a vendor. The Council proposed offering North Star Landcare a one-year contract.
Moved by Councilmember Bow, seconded by Councilmember Avila to award North Star Landcare a one-year contract for tree maintenance services.
AYES: ALVAREZ, AVILA, BOW
NOES: MENDEZ
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: GONZALES
Total Cost: TBD Is the cost of this item budgeted?: Yes Fund/Account Number:
• Parks Division General Fund (account #10-55-420-000-6493) - $475,000 • Public Benefit Fund (account #24-40-7390-8266-25/RSTREE-6625) - $30,000 • Electric Line Maintenance Fund (account #33-40-735-930-6493) - $515,000
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 6, 2025, were approved as written.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
2. Resolution No. 2025-C56 allowing certain claims and demands and specifying the funds out of which the same are to be paid was adopted.
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
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3. The following personnel action requests in accordance with the City of Azusa Rules of the Civil Service System, Azusa Municipal Code, and/or applicable Memorandum of Understanding(s) were approved.
New Appointments: M. Dettor, A. Lopez, D. Manzano – Garcia Promotions: L. Tillman
Merit Increase/Regular Appointments: J. Esqueda, J. Le Blanc, J. Palacios Separations/Retirements: J. Carlos Zepeda
Total Cost: N/A Is the cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: N/A
4. The project improvements for the Old Schoolhouse Restoration Project were accepted; the City Manager was authorized to approve payment of invoices and change orders required for the completion of the project; and Staff was authorized to file a Notice of Completion for the Old schoolhouse Restoration Project.
Total Cost: $2,428,846.36 Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes Fund/Account No: $49,612.15 from City Hall Phase 4 account 46-80-000-651-7125-65124A; $2,379,234.21 from State grant funds under account 28-10-615-000-7125/61524A-7125.
5. The Amended and Restated Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Azusa and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 18 was approved; and Staff were authorized to make non - substantive edits to the MOU as needed until fully executed.
Total Cost: $1,039,335 FY 25/26 and in Total $7,188,885 over four years Is the cost of this item budgeted? Yes
Fund/Account No: General-10 (2.7%), Consumer Services-31 (25.3%), Water-32 (34.5%), and Electric (37.5%) Funds
Moved by Councilmember Avila, seconded by Councilmember Bow and carried by the following vote of the Council, to approve Consent Calendar Items E-1-E-5.
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY RELATED BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-R13 AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF WARRANTS BY THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY DATED OCTOBER 31, 2025, THROUGH NOVEMBER 25, 2025 Resolution No. 2025-R13 allowing certain claims and demands to be paid out of Successor Agency Funds was adopted.
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: Fund 87 Successor Agency
APPROVAL OF RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE AND ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET FOR JULY 1, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027 AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION
Resolution No. 2025- R14, approving and adopting the “Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule” for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 (ROPS 26-27) pursuant to AB x1 26 as amended by AB 1484 was adopted; and Resolution No. 2025-R15, approving and adopting the proposed Administrative Budget for July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027was also adopted.
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Moved by Councilmember Alvarez and seconded by Councilmember Bow and carried by the following vote of the Council, to approve Items F-1 and F-2 of the Successor Agency Consent Calendar.
AYES: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Total Cost: N/A Is the Cost of this item budgeted? N/A
Fund/Account No: Fund 87 Successor Agency
ADJOURNMENT
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 8:49 P.M.
CITY CLERK
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
December 15, 2025, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting January 5, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Closed Session, 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting